Generally, there are two kinds of formal shoes: those with closed lacing and those with open lacing.

Shoes with closed lacing are more dressy than those with open lacing.

Closed lacing means that the two side of the upper drawn together by the laces are sewn under the front part of the shoe. In other words the “top”, laced part of the shoe is tucked below the overall leather.

Open lacing means the laced portion is sewn above the main leather body of the shoe.

Socks – Getting the Combination Right

Always wear knee-length socks that do not expose the bare leg ever.

The basic principle is that the socks should be just as dark as the shoes, and on the other hand they should not contrast too strongly with the pants and your other clothes.